1966Austin Healey

Sprite

$10,995

SOLD

It's time to enjoy a car for the purists. This 1966 Austin Healey Sprite Mk IV is iconic classic British roaster fun on a budget.

This is the best Healey Sprite for certain people. Not only does this later model do away with the more polarizing "frogeye" look, but it has been optimized for the driving experience. For example, this one does not have side glass or a roof, two heavier features that took away from the sprightly namesake of the car. So it has a closer weight rating to the earlier Mk II generation, but it retains the larger displacement motor of the Mk IVs. Even without an interesting engineering, this one has a lot of attraction. The silver paint is the perfect subtle British color that still loves the sunshine. And the brightwork stands out from this hue thanks to an investment in places like new headlight surrounds, grille, and side mirrors. It's a total package that is presented nicely and feels authentic right down to its factory "AH" hubcaps.

Inside, the dual bucket seats are there to provide some individual comfort, but we all know this is really a driver-focused roadster. That's why you get a grippy Austin Healey three-spoke wood and chrome steering wheel, and beyond that are competition-grade Smiths gauges. This one doesn't need a center console because your right hand rests perfectly and naturally on the woodgrain AH gearshift.

This Sprite truly lived up to its name, and it gives up luxuries like windows to remain a light European roadster. This allows you to get the most performance out of the 1275cc four-cylinder motor, which was the largest displacement they ever offered in the Sprite's history. In fact, this one even has a Weber carb on top for optimal performance. Combine this with the close ratio four-speed manual transmission, and you begin to understand why people love these cars. After all, there's no better feeling than rowing through the gears at the exact right time to stay in the powerband. And you can do that with confidence, because the BMC A-series motor is a longstanding reliable powerplant with a large parts network, even in America. The last key to the Sprite being so good on the backroads is its unibody construction. It was revolutionary for a road car at the time, and it keeps the featherweight body nice and stiff in the turns. It even handles quite nicely thanks to front disc brakes and modern Firestone tires at all four corners.

Here's an affordable classic roadster that's less mainstream (and more rare) than its MG relative, but a less polarizing design than the Mk I's frogeye. Just hurry up before someone else realizes this roadster is within their budget too. Call today!!!